It wasn’t always like this. I think that’s why it’s so hard.
It’s been so long, but I miss the boy who sampled everything I baked, encouraging me with his praise and requests for more of whatever I gave him. I miss the friend who knew I hated everything grape-flavored, even though I loved grapes, andalways gave me the strawberry or cherry. It was a long time before I ever knew he didn’t like anything grape-flavored very much either. I miss the version of us that doesn’t end with raised voices and slammed doors.
But this is our new normal, has been for years now, and I think it’s time I accept it.
Besides Goldie and Jackson, Camden was always the person who got it…got me. Sometimes it felt like he got me more than anyone else. I guess that’s just what I wanted to believe.
We may as well be strangers now.
Anyway.
I don’t have time to stay in this headspace another second. I can’t afford to ruin any more desserts.
The cinnamon rolls are in the oven, the third batch of scones is ready to go in next, and the blueberry muffins are cooling. The pies are already almost sold out for the day, and I won’t have time to make more until I close. I cut the toffee bars and put them in the display case before going back to the kitchen.
The phone rings while I’m wiping flour off my cheek.
Papa Hector.
I wipe my hands and answer. “Hi, Papa!”
He doesn’t bother with hello. “Your uncle Hal and I are coming tomorrow. Surprise!”
I gasp. “Really? You’re coming here? That’s great!”
Papa and his twin brother Hal are the life of any gathering. The age of the crowd doesn’t matter—if Papa and Uncle Hal are around, everyone is having a good time. Hal is technically my great-uncle, but I always just call him Uncle Hal.
“We’re missing our girl…and her banana cream pies.” Papa Hector laughs and I grin, already feeling happier just hearing his voice. “Hey—I heard there’s a handsome chef in town who’s making waves with his delicious food. You know anything about that?”
I roll my eyes. “No, I wouldn’t know anything about that.”
He laughs again, not fully realizing the buttons he’s pushing.
“You sound tired, sweetheart.”
I glance at my reflection in the mirror we keep by the back door. My cheeks are flushed, my updo is messy, and I have dark smudges under my eyes.
“I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t,” I admit.
“Well, Uncle Hal and I can help you. We can help at the shop, help around the house…your mom said you’ve sounded a little lonesome lately, and we can help with that too.”
I smile. His offer of helping around the shop sounds more like a disaster waiting to happen, but I’ll be happily proven wrong if that’s not the case. But I’m all for everything else he said.
“I’m doing all right, but I’ll be better when you’re here. I can’t wait to see you and Uncle Hal.”
He makes a quiet sound of approval. “Can’t wait to see you, sweetheart.”
“I’ll get your rooms ready. Hurry up and get here. But be careful,” I add.
“Don’t go to any trouble. We’re old men. We’re not particular, and we know how to change sheets and whatnot.”
“I won’t go to any trouble…much.”
“Ahhh, my little perfectionist. I shouldn’t have given you any warning!”
“I’m glad you did.”
We both laugh.
